Apparatus for preparing concrete foundation



May 4, 1965 A. s CHIANESE APPARATUS FOR PREPARING CONCRETE FOUNDATION Filed May 21, 1962 FIG?) INVENTOR AUGUSTINE 5. CH IANESE BY M M AT TOR N EYS United States Patent O 3,181,832 APPARATUS FOR PREPARING CONCRETE FOUNDATION Augustine S. Chianese, 120 Pleasant View Ave., Manville, R.I. Filed May 21, 1962, Ser. No. 196,378 2 Claims. (Cl. 249-43) The present invention relates to apparatus for preparing a concrete foundation. More particularly, the present invention relates to the apparatus for erecting a concrete foundation wherein the Wall panels between which the concrete is poured are located in predetermined spacedapart relation by the use of a unique spacing assembly that permits the removal of the tie rod used in the spacing assembly after the erection of the foundation.

Prior to the instant invention, in the practical erection of concrete foundations, it has been the general practice to space the wall panels or forms between which the concrete is poured by tie rods. These tie rods were inserted through suitable openings formed in the wall forms and were fabricated with spaced weakened breakoif points that were arranged to lie within the body of the concrete structure through which the tie rod extended. The tie rod had portions which extended outwardly from the break-off points beyond the faces of the concrete structure as erected and were shaped to permit the outwardly extending portions to be broken off at the break-off points. Thus, after the concrete foundation had been erected, the wall forms were removed and theprojecting ends of the tie rods were broken off by twisting them by a suitable tool so that breakage of the rods occurred at the weakened points. The remaining portions of the tie rods were thus captured or trapped within the concrete foundation and could not be re-used.

The present invention avoids the use of conventional breakoff tie rods for the erection of a concrete foundation and provides a simple yet effective arrangement of pro-perly spacing the wall forms for the foundation and further provides means for withdrawing the tie rods from the foundation after it has been poured and has set. In order to accomplish this purpose, the present invention utilizes a tie rod that is formed without weakened points and that is inserted through a tubular spacing member that is interposed between the Wall forms between which the concrete is adapted to be poured. The spacing member co operates with the tie rod to define means for locating the wall forms in proper spaced relation. After the foundation has been erected, the wall forms and tie rods are disassembled by removing the locking means associated therewith and then withdrawing the tie rods from within the tubular members. The tubular members remain embedded in the foundation, and the open ends thereof may be closed by grouting or any suitable insert or the like. Since the tubular insert is of a relatively inexpensive plastic material, the cost thereof is negligible. However, the tie rod, which is necessarily formed of a metal material and is relatively more expensive, is recovered for use in the erection of the next foundation.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for preparing a concrete foundation wherein the foundation wall forms are easily and quickly installed in proper spaced relation so as to form a mold into which the concrete is poured.

Still another object is to provide a tie rod for use in the erection of a concrete foundation that cooperates with a tubular member to provide a spacing means for locating the wall forms used in the erection of the foundation in proper spaced relation.

Still another object is to provide a tie rod construction for use in the erection of a concrete foundation that ice includes a spacing disc that is secured thereto, the spacing disc cooperating with a tubular member to define means for locating wall forms in predetermined spaced relation.

Still another object is to provide a tubular member for use in the erection of a concrete foundation that is adapted to be embedded in the foundation after the erection thereof, the open ends of the tubular members being capped to seal the foundation in waterproof relation.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by me for carrying out my invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the prepared foundation forms showing the position of the tubular members between the forms;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view with parts shown in section illustrating the relative position of the assembled components for locating the foundation wall forms in spaced relation;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the means for spacing the wall forms and the locking means therefor;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a locking'member used to lock the spacing members in position; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cap that is used to seal the ends of the tubular members after the erection of the foundation.

The present invention is directed to the formation of a foundation for use in building constructions or the like wherein the foundation is erected on the upper surface of a prepared footing. The foundations as prepared vary in vertical dimension according to the site requirements and require the positioning of wall forms or the like in proper spaced relation, the wall forms defininga mold into which the liquid concrete is poured.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawing, the apparatus for erecting the concrete foundation is generally indicated at 10 and as shown is mounted on a footing 12 indicated in dotted lines. The width of each concrete foundation will vary in accordance with the requirements of the building construction that is being constructed. However, foundations are normally constructed in predetermined dimensions as required by the various building code authorities. The wall forms or panels indicated at 14 and 16 in FIGS. 1 and 2 are adapted to be located in a predetermined spaced relation, and for this purpose special spacing means are provided as will be described below.

In accordance with accepted practice, the panel 14 has a plurality of vertical beams :18 secured thereto that provide for rigidity of the panel. The panel 16 similarly has a plurality of vertical beams 20 secured thereto. Horizontal wales or cross beams 22 and 24 are adapted to be utilized in spaced pairs and cooperate with the vertical beams 18 and 20 for stabilizing the panels and for looking the panels in position as will be described hereinafter. Although not shown, a starter plate or beam may be disposed at the lower end of each panel and may be nailed or secured to the footing in any convenient manner, as is well known in the art.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the means for locating the panels 14 and 16 in spaced relation is illustrated and as shown includes a tie rod generally indicated at 26 and a tubular member 28. The tie rod 26 is defined by an elongated rod 30 on the outer ends of which enlarged heads 32 and 34 are joined. Secured to the rod 30 in any convenient manner is a disc 36 that is located more closely adjacent the enlarged head 32. The enlarged heads 32 and 34 of the tie rod 26 are adapted to be inserted through suitable openings (not shown) that Patented May 4, 1965 are formed in the panels 14 and 16 in opposed aligned relation. The diameter of the openings in the panels 14 and 16 is such as to allow the insertion of the enlarged heads 32, 34 therethrough, but the openings are not large enough to permit the passage of the disc 36 therethrough. It is understood that a plurality of the openings are formed in the panels 14 and 16, and each opening is located in opposed aligned relation with an opening in the opposite panel.

In erecting the panels 14 and 16 prior to the pouring of concrete therebetween, the panel 14 is located in substantially vertical relation, and in this position receives a plurality of the tie rods 26 therein. Each tie rod is inserted in position by projecting the enlarged head portion 32 through an opening, the tie rod being forced through the opening until the disc 36 engages the inside surface of the panel '14. The portion of the tie rod 26 extending beyond the disc 36 projects between the wales or cross beams 22 as shown more clearly in FIG. 2. The disc 36 thus defines a stop for the tie rod 26 and locates the outer portion of the rod 30 with respect to the horizontal beams 22. With the tie rods 26 located in position with respect to the panel 14, the tubular member 28 is then inserted in enveloping relation over the tie rod 26 as illustrated in FIG. 2. It will be noted that the inside diameter of the tubular member 28 is less than the diameter of the disc 36 so that the adjacent edge of the tubular member 28 abuts the disc 36. As will be described hereinafter, this relationship of the tubular member 28 with respect to the disc 36 provides for removing of the tie rod 26 in one direction only. Formed on one end of the tubular member 28 is a flared or beaded edge 37 that efiectively increases the diameter of the tubular member and prevents the tubular member from slipping through the opening in the adjacent panel 16. The beaded edge 37 further acts to strengthen the tubular member 28 and in effect adds rigidity thereto. The tubular member 28 is constructed such that the longitudinal dimension thereof defines the distance that the panels 14 and 16 are spaced apart. The tubular member 28 thus cooperates with the tie rod 26 to define a spacing member for the panels 14 and 16. With the tubular member 28 mounted in position on the tie rod 26 in enveloping relation with respect thereto, the panel 16 is then assembled in proper position by threading the enlarged head portion 34 through the opening formed in the panel 16. Since the disc 36 of the tie rod 26 has located the tie rod 26 in a predetermined position and the tubular member 28 is predimensioned to space the panels 14 and 16 apart the predetermined amount, the end of the rod 30 of the tie rod 26 that extends through the panel 16 will project just beyond the horizontal cross beams 24. Securing locks or wedges 38 may then be inserted into engagement with the outer ends of the tie rod 26 as indicated in FIG. 2. The Wedges 38 are U shaped in formation, the legs of the U being slightly flexible to provide a wedging action as the wedge is inserted over the elongated rod 30 of the tie rod 36. The rear surface of the wedges 36 abut the outer facing edges of the horizontal cross beams 22 and 24 and thus cooperate to firmly lock the tie rod 26 therebetween. The tubular member 28 is also firmly located in transverse relation with respect to the panels 14 and 16 and properly positions the panels with respect to the spaced-apart location thereof.

With the panels 14 and 16 firmly locked in position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, concrete is poured therebetween, the tie rods 26 and associated wedges 38 cooperating to prevent the panels from spreading as the concrete is poured. After the concrete has dried and set, the wedges 38 are removed from their locked position, thereby permitting the disassembly of the panels 14 and 16 from the assembled position thereof. In the disassembly of the panels 14 and 16, the panel 14 is first removed by sliding it outwardly over the elongated rod 30 of the tie rod 26 until the opening formed in the panel 14 clears the enlarged head 32. With the opposite wedge 38 removed from engagement with the enlarged head 34, the tie rod 26 is next easily and simply removed by sliding it outwardly to the left as seen in FIG. 2 and through the tubular member 28. It is understood that the tie rod 26 must be removed in this direction since the disc 36 is larger in diameter than the tubular member 28. The panel 16 may then be removed from its position, and the dis-assembly operation is complete.

When the concrete is poured between the wall forms 14 and 16, the tubular member 28 is embedded therein, and after the wall forms or panels 14 and 16 have been removed from the assembled position, the tubular member 28 remains as a permanent part of the erected foundation. Since the ends of the tubular member 28 are exposed, they may be closed by simple grouting or by applying a plug indicated at 40 in FIG. 5 therein. The plug 40 is preferably Wedge shaped in construction and will be locked within the tubular member 28 when driven into firm engagement therewith. It is understood that by enclosing the open ends of the tubular member 28, the foundation is made relatively waterproof, and seepage of water therethrough is prevented.

It is seen that the preparation of the Wall forms or panels 14 and 16 is a relatively simple operation since the tubular member 28 and the tie rod 26 are easily inserted in position and locked therein by the wedges 38. The disassembly of the apparatus is equally as simple in operation since all that is required is that the wedge 38 be removed from its locking engagement with the end of the tie rod and the panels and tie rods removed from their assembled position. The tie rods 26 may then be removed for further use at another site or stored for future use as desired. As shown, the tubular member 28 is constructed of a plastic material as such is impervious to water. It is understood, of course, that the tubular member 28 may be constructed of various materials without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is further understood that the cross beams 20 to 24 and vertical beams 18, 20 form a part of the panels 14 and 16, respectively, as described, and that the engagement of the wedges 38 with the cross beams 22, 24 is in effect engaging a portion of the panels.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for preparing a concrete foundation, a pair of panels located in spaced parallel relation, openings formed in said panels in opposed relation, means for positioning said panels in the spaced position thereof prior to pouring of concrete therebetween, said positioning means including an elongated tie rod having a disc secured thereto as a permanent part thereof and being located more closely adjacent one end thereof, the portion of said tie rod on the outer side of said disc being insertable through an opening in one of said panels, the location of said tie rod that is inserted in the last-named panel being fixed by the engagement of said disc with the inside surface of said last-named panel, a tubular member surrounding the major portion of said tie rod in coaxial relation, one end of said tubular member engaging said disc, the other panel engaging the other end of said tubular member and being spaced thereby from the panel engaged by said disc, said panels thereby being located in their spaced relation, the other end of said tie rod extending through the opening in said other panel, and means for locking the outer ends of said tie rods to said panels prior to the pouring of concrete therebetween.

2. In apparatus for preparing a concrete foundation, a pair of panels located in spaced, parallel relation, open- 5 ings formed in said panels in opposed, aligned relation, means for positioning said panels in the spaced position thereof prior to pouring of concrete therebetween, said positioning means including an elongated tie rod, the ends of which extend through the openings in said panels, a disc secured to said tie rod as a permanent part thereof and being located more closely adjacent one end thereof, said disc having a diameter larger than the opening in the panel through which one end of said tie rod is inserted and thereby engaging the inside surface of the last-named panel to define a stop, a tubular member enveloping the major portion of said tie rod in coaxial relation but having a smaller longitudinal dimension than said tie red, the diameter of said tubular member being greater than the opening formed in the other panel and defining a stop wherein the panels are spaced by the disc and tubular member, and means for locking said tie rod to said panels prior to the pouring of concrete therebetween, said tie rod and panels being disassembled after the concrete has set by releasing said locking means and withdrawing said tie rod from the tubular member that is embedded within 6 the set concrete, and conical plugs for securement in the open ends of said tubular member after said tie rod and panels are disassembled, wherein said tubular member is effectively sealed.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,907,618 5/33 Umbach et al 25-131 2,273,198 2/42 Hillberg 25-131 2,314,866 3/43 Bosco 25131 2,335,236 11/43 Colt 25131 2,411,678 11/46 Cornelia 25-131 2,657,449 11/53 Hillberg 25131 2,709,292 5/55 Otti 25-131 FOREIGN PATENTS 214,131 8/60 Austria.

20 MICHAEL V. BRINDISI, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT F. WHITE, Examiner. 

1. IN APPARATUS FOR PERPARING A CONCERETE FOUNDATON, A PAIR OF PANELS LOCATED IN SPACED PARALLEL RELATION, OPENINGS FORMED IN SAID PANELS IN OPPOSED RELATION, MEANS FOR POSITIONING SAID PANELS IN THE SPACED POSITION THEREOF PRIOR TO POURING OF CENCRETE THEREBETWEEN, SAID POSITIONING MEANS INCLUDING AN ELONGATED TIE ROD HAVING A DISC SECURED THERETO AS A PERMANENT PART THEREOF AND BEING LOCATED MORE CLOSELY ADJACENT ONE END THEREOF, THE PORTION OF SAID TIE ROD ON THE OUTER SIDE OF SAID DISC BEING INSERTABLE THROUGH AN OPENING IN ONE OF SAID PANELS, THE LOCATION OF SAID TIE ROD THAT IS INSERTED IN HE LAST-NAMED PANEL BEING FIXED BY THE ENGAGEMENT OF SAID DISC WITH THE INSIDE SURFACE OF SAID LAST-NAMED PANEL, A TUBULAR MEMBER SURROUNDING THE MAJOR PORTION OF SAID TIE ROD IN COAXIAL RELATION, ONE END OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBER ENGAGING SAID DISC, THE OTHER PANEL ENGAGING THE OTHER END OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBER AND BEING SPACED THEREBY BEING LOCATED IN THEIR BY THE DISC, SAID PANELS THEREBY BEING LOCATED IN THEIR SPACED RELATION, THE OTHER END OF SAID TIE ROD EXTENDING THROUGH THE OPENING IN SAID OTHER PANEL, AND MEANS FOR LOCKING THE OUTER ENDS OF SAID TIE RODS TO SAID PANELS PRIOR TO THE POURING OF CONCRETE THEREBETWEEN. 